Credit: The Associated Press

Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno speaks during a news conference at the Denver Broncos NFL football training facility in Englewood, Colo., on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. The Broncos are scheduled to play the New England Patriots for the AFC Championship on Sunday. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — His return from offseason knee surgery still a few days away, Knowshon Moreno sauntered over to the sideline one hot August afternoon in training camp. In front of him were two young running backs having trouble picking up first downs and blitzes.

Asked who he thought would win the featured role in the Denver Broncos' backfield, Moreno nodded and flashed a sneaky smile, then spun back to the trainer's room.